Faces of the Foothills -Shimla

Faces of the Foothills.....Shimla; a compilation of photographs.

This young boy caught my eye as we were driving through the center of the city. He was standing just outside of the temple gazing at something in the distance....

As I was walking down the walkway that led back to the lower level of the Shimla Mall, just beneath the shadow of Christ Church, I stopped in front of these two girls to take a picture of the Church....I could sense that they were watching me, so as I turned to continue walking......our eyes met.....I asked if I could take their picture.....look at the difference in the smiles!

On a slower area of The Mall, these two found a quiet place to chat.....are they brother and sister? are they friends? are they more? Public displays of affection, is not culturally acceptable; no hand holding,etc......notice their feet touching.....so subtle but yet so far apart.....

There are many things that I will never master while here in India.....one of them is walking while balancing items on my head.....this Chaat Walla stopped momentarily for me to snap a quick photograph.......nothing fell, thank goodness......I hope that he found the perfect spot on the Mall to set up shop and sell his items......

With outstretched arms and cupped hands, this man humbly accepts a token of charity from a passerby.......

The Himalaya's.....the view from Gun Hill!

Well it is obvious that I am still around 9 days after I took this memorable walk…….and no….i am not writing this from my hospital bed……I made it to the top and back down…….without any serious issues….but I do have a confession to make……I was glad I had my camera with me…….it gave me an excuse to stop and rest when I needed too……but as a result, I have some fantastic photographs of the wildflowers that are growing on the side of this wonderful little hill…….leave a comment if you want to see some photographs……truly beautiful.
However……..nothing quite as beautiful as what was waiting for us at the top of the hill!
My first views of the peaks were impressive……at the pinnacle of Gun Hill, the views were mesmerizing…………the sun was a bit higher in the sky now……and it was perfectly reflecting on the face of the highest mountain peaks I have seen till date.
I am not sure of the names of the peaks that we could see from this vantage point……..I need some additional help from someone much more knowledgeable than me……I have attempted to research it, but I still do not have the answer.
I will stop writing and let the photographs speak from themselves……..but one thing is for sure……The Himalaya’s can certainly be seen from Mussoorie……..Wouldn’t you agree?
But please, don’t take my word for it…….experience it for yourself
Post Script:
I am not sure how long it took me to ascend the 400 meters in height from the level of The Mall……I failed to look at my watch……I truly wish it was a statistic I knew and could share with you.
I will be making the walk again…..in the near future I hope…….in the early morning moments just before dawn…….I will find a comfortable spot and watch the wonders unfold before me

Mussoorie - My first view of the "Big Guy's"!

My first views of the Himalaya’s were at approximately 6:05 am on Saturday, September 19th, 2009.It is not very hard for me to describe my reaction to that first view of the peaks…….when the alarm sounded, I didn’t linger in the bed for very long…….I found myself stepping barefoot onto the balcony with my camera, there was still a crisp coolness in the air from the prior night………I remember gazing in the direction of the range……and wondering at first if what I was seeing were clouds on the horizon……I immediately started taking photographs because the scene was so beautiful and unlike the views I witnessed as the sun was retreating the day before…….The sun was glowing and the color of the sky was beautiful....it was then that I realized that I did not have my glasses on.
I retreated to my room, put my glasses on, and made my way hurriedly back to the balcony.....I am quite sure that I spoke out loud……something like……”wow” or “amazing” or “unbelievable”……or maybe even all three. I simply can’t remember. With my glasses now in place, I could clearly see that what the glow of the sun was not bouncing off clouds......but it was forming the perfect backdrop to outline the jagged peaks that were in the distance.Having lived in Colorado with my family for 4 years, I have witnessed some very spectacular views of the mountains….and of the range…..and the incredible peaks that exist……. 53 peaks that are above 14,000 feet in the Rocky Mountain Range…..the highest peak which is 14,401feet (4,400 meters)…….so I was not in awe because this was my first time seeing mountains………those reactions were in genuine respect to how unbelievably huge the peaks I was seeing are.
The Himalaya’s have over 220 peaks over 14,000ft and 10 of the highest peaks in the world……..Mount Everest is almost exactly twice the size of the highest peak in the Rocky mountains……these mountains are BIG GUYS!!!!!!!From my vantage point in Mussoorie, I am estimating that the peaks that I was able to see without the aid of my zoom lens are at a minimum 250 – 300 km away…….if there is a reader to my blog that could provide the exact distance I would be most appreciative.
Little did I know at the time, that the best was yet to come……..how is that for a teaser for my next blog entry??????In one of my previous blog entries, I mentioned that I received some misinformation regarding Mussoorie……..very bad information from my “expert source”……information that I would have chosen to take my family to another location juts based on this. I would have probably returned to Shimla with my family rather than Mussoorie for that glimpse of the Himalaya’s.
I recently shared my photographs with this very same person……a person who has been to Mussoorie on several occasions………..and they could not believe their eyes……as a matter of fact, my pictures have now changed their view of Mussoorie and was amazed at what has been missed for many years.
I had challenged some readers in a previous blog entry to take the time to truly discover what is in your own city……or at least close by…….to become a “tourist” and explore….find out what makes the place you live in “special”……….(see the archives from January….Republic Day Adventure and a personal challenge”)
I urge all of you to take the challenge….get to know your city……….and get to Mussoorie.
I hope you enjoy.

Purana Qila .....The 6th City of Delhi.....and more BATS!!!!!

Excavations at the site of Purana Qila have revealed that the area has been continuously occupied since 1000 B.C.

Yes.....well over 3000 years.

It is also believed to be where the city of Indraprastha, the capital city of Pandava mentioned in the epic Mahabharata,once stood.

Remember my entry on Humayan's Tomb? If not, please go back and read the entry because all of the proverbial "dot's" are starting to be connected.

Purana Qila, is now often referred too as the 6th City of Delhi, as it was on this site that Humayan began to build his city in 1530, four years after the death of his father Barbur.

Humayan lost the city to another ruler who ousted him in 1540......his name was Sher Shah Suri.....who strengthened the fortifications and built a Mosque on the site as well as some additional buildings on the grounds. In 1545, Sher Shah Suri died, leaving his kingdom vulnerable and the dispossessed Humayan saw an opportunity....attacked and recaptured the city he had begun.

Humayan, used a beautiful octagonal building on the grounds for his library, and one day, with several books in his hand, he was distracted by the call for prayer, his foot getting caught in his garments and he fell down the stairs.

His injuries were fatal...this happened on January 24, 1556.....only a few short months after he had regained control of his empire.

The history of Humayan is fascinating......so was Purana Qila.....Preston and I always have a great time exploring these monuments...there is a very well done museum on the grounds that is included in the admission fee of 100 rupees ($2.00).....pictorials of the various excavations that have taken place....displays of the various objects unearthed dating back to 1000 B.C. when the first inhabitants occupied the site..

The perimeter walls of the fort have huge gated entrances where years ago countless of people used to move in and out of the city....while exploring one of these, Preston discovered more bats above his head......and of course, called to me to come and see.

The second time you discover such interesting creatures the more relaxed you are around them.....here is one of several up close shots and just before it the nice place these guys are living...

This is a "must see" on any visit to Delhi....the explorations continue and the adventure is alive and well......Incredible India awaits.

Typical Saturday Family Shopping Day!

I recently read, in one of Linda's handy books that she bought from one of the lady organizations she attends, about this very interesting shopping area in Delhi.....this was our second trip.

The shopping area consists of shops from various parts of India, that sell handicrafts from the villages from their state. All of the prices are very reasonable and fixed, so there is typically no need to go through the typical bargaining session that is the highlight of other shopping experiences.

We found a few exciting things to decorate our apartment with, but there were no major purchases. Well except a statue of Lord Shiva.....that Linda thought was the statue of a girl.....she kept referring to it as "Her" until our driver Ramesh pointed out to me that it was Lord Shiva......the destroyer!

But I did get a couple of very interesting photographs and some colorful ones as well......and what Preston typically does when Linda and I explore the shops.

I know that Preston can't wait to get his big brother over here so they can go off and explore things on their own......it will be good to have both of our boys back together again.....even for a short time.

We think about you all the time Parker......about 22 days and you will be here......and perhaps you can find a place to sleep like Preston!

Tughluqabad Fort......

The Sunday that Preston and I visited the ruins of Tughluqabad Fort the temperature outside had reached 102......but, the heat here is a very dry heat, similar to what you would experience in Arizona. Nevertheless, it was warm, especially while climbing up and down the ramparts of this beautiful remnant of history.

Tughluqabad Fort was built by the man who named it.....Tughluq....Sultan of Delhi.....he has an interesting background, but I think I will spare you the details.

But here are a few amazing facts.

He became Sultan/ Ruler of Delhi in 1321 and he immediately commenced construction of his fort to defend against invasions from Mongols. The walls of the fort reach 35 feet in thickness in some areas, but most average between 15 - 25 feet. The perimeter walls are approximately 6.5 km long. It was built, complete in only 4 years.

Apparently there were so many workers commissioned to build the fort, that worked stopped at the construction of a well for a local Saint named Nizzamudin. Nizzamudin was so angry that he placed a curse on the fort which later proved to be a reality.

Preston and I had a great time this Sunday, despite the heat, and can't wait to explore it further when Parker gets here. It is well worth a second trip back as we didn't have any water with us and cut the visit short.

Speaking of water.......the lack of water on the ridge was the primary reason that Tughluqabad was failure. It was abandoned shortly after it was built, making the "curse" come true.

By the way......Delhi is also know as the place of "Seven Cities". The American Embassy School offers a program that lasts ....seven weeks....and includes visits to each of them. Linda was advised to wait until the fall to take the class, as newcomers tend to take on too many new things at first..

Tughluqabad is know as the THIRD CITY of Delhi......I think Preston and I have visited about 4 or 5 of the seven so far......just on our weekend explorations of Delhi.

And one more thing......we found the "secret escape passage" but as I was descending the stairs and my eyes finally adjusted to the darkness of the underground passage, my eyes saw something moving and chirping......and when I looked closely the ceiling was filled with bats.....needless to say, I climbed the stairs very quickly.

It is always an Adventure....with me!

Enjoy!

Pink City Blues!

Jaipur is thus far Linda's favorite city in India.....and although Jaipur is high on my list, I honestly haven't visited a city in India that I haven't liked.

Jaipur is rich in History, Heritage and Legend......One such "legend" is how Jaipur earned the designation of being the Pink City.

The story is told as follows:

Jaipur needed a fresh coat of paint to welcome its distinguished guest, the Prince of Wales, in 1905-6. The contractors inability to supply any other color in the required quantity compelled the choice of pink shade for its walls. A contractor’s compulsion famed Jaipur to become known as the Pink City.

I cannot attest to the accuracy of the information....because several of the websites I visited had different years that the Prince of Wales visited......the earliest stated that he visited in 1852......some in between, and the latest was 1905-06. Who knows?

One thing is for sure.....Jaipur is a very special place and besides the history/legend behind it's name.....Jaipur is also know for Blue Pottery.

The influence of the Mogul Rulers can be found in the architecture and arts throughout India. Like these, the use of Blue Glaze was developed by Mongol artisans who combined Chinese glazing technology with Persian decorative arts. This technique travelled south to India with early Muslim potentates in the 14th century. During its infancy, it was used to make tiles to decorate mosques, tombs and palaces in Central Asia. Today, the art is being revived by only a few skilled artisans.....but they are making many decorative items for modern consumers to use in their homes.

When Linda learned about Blue Pottery, her first visit to Jaipur would not have been complete without a stop at a place that sold Blue Pottery....luckily, one of my earlier visits to the City I learned of just such a place that has their own artists and factory.

All handmade and hand painted.......the result of this timeless tradition yields some beautiful works of art....vases, drawer knobs, tiles, coasters, bowls,figurines, plates, furniture....

I have no doubt that our family and friends will be recipients of some Blue Gifts from the Pink City!

Enjoy!

....more Holi fun!

It seems like everyone gets excited about Holi!

The excitement unfolded right before our eyes, and Linda and I enjoyed the views from the balcony of our apartment.

Holi gets started very early......first with the Security Guards, then Ramesh and his friend Surrender...and then as the neighborhood children woke up, they joined in the fun with water guns, and water balloons.......wetting each other down before the colorful powder began to hit....we could hear the drums from a nearby band playing somewhere near the house.....it was very festive.

Linda and I had fun....even though we just watched the excitement from the comfort and cleanliness of the house......but, when one of the neighborhood kids saw me up on the balcony taking pictures, he did his best to hit me with a water balloon.......but he missed!

The pictures are of Ramesh, Surrender and the Guards, and one of the dogs in the neighborhood that didn't escape the fun.

Preston's Technicolor "Holi" Day

Well it seems like all over the world, there is some sort of celebration of the beginning of Spring......in the US, color is infused into Easter in the form of dying eggs.......in India, you dye your body.....well you don't, your friends and strangers do it for you.

So goes the celebration in India called "Holi".

Preston was picked up in a taxi by a group of his friends at 9:00am,and after a 500 rupee ride to somewhere in Delhi, Preston's Holi celebration started.

That's right, we had no clue as to where I son was going with 4 other teenager's in this city of 17 million people, but we knew that he would not come back the same way he left us.....clean, well somewhat clean. We did speak to Parker and he thought we were crazy to let Preston go off, and not know where he was going. Of course, he proclaimed that we would have "never let him do that at 15 years old". And he is probably right.....but neither Linda nor I knew what to expect and we decidedly chose to celebrate our first Holi.....as spectators.

However, we did give Preston certain instructions....Be careful, don't drink anything strange...only water, stay with your friends, call us occasionally and let us know you are OK, keep up with your money, have fun and one more final "be careful".
If the pictures didn't paint (no pun intended) a clear picture, as I am writing this blog, he just emerged from the shower......and he proudly came to show me the Q-tips......black from his left ear, red from his right......It appears that he had fun!

Holi is not your typical celebration, as you may have gathered....and Preston came back in one piece, and didn't drink anything strange......yes, there is a drink that is traditionally served at Holi which is called BHANG.

Bhang is a type of tea.....sounds innocent doesn't it....here is the recipe..... There's also a Hot Buttered Version as well!

Flavoured Bhang - Ingredients

2 cups water
2 ounces marijuana (fresh leaves and flowers of a female plant preferred)
4 cups warm milk
2 tablespoons blanched and chopped almonds
1/8 teaspoon garam masala (a mixture of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamon)
1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/2 to 1 teaspoon rosewater
1 cup sugar

DID YOU NOTE THE SECOND INGREDIENT??????

When Linda reached him by phone, Preston's explained that he was at the British High Commission (Embassy) with his friend George.....and that he only had 20 rupees and needed a ride home.

Ramesh, our driver was off today, so it was my turn to drive in Delhi once again.....so I did get to have some fun on Holi also.

I brought some old sheets to drape over the car seat, and retrieved him for the drive back home......in one piece, but covered in FUN!

Have a very HAPPY HOLI...wherever you are.....personally, I cannot wait until next year.....stay tuned for the pictures!

Delhi Landmark - Qutub Minar

As incredible as India is, it is remarkable that there is so much literally right in our backyard.

With the intention of preparing for Parker's upcoming visit, we have decided to embark on several exploratory trips to plan what will surely be an action packed adventure for him.

This week, Preston and I discovered Qutub Minar......a New Delhi landmark since the year 1193 A.D.

That right......1193 and built on the site of 27 former Hindu and Jain Temples that were destroyed by the first Sultan of Delhi; Qutub-Ud-Din who managed to only reach the first level before his death.

The Qutub Minar is part of a vast complex of other monuments of historical importance....and is a must see landmark on a visit to New Delhi.

The last picture I included is the beginning of a second tower, which was supoosed to be twice the height of the Qutub Minar, but the Sultan died and it was never finished.

Here are some interesting facts and 5 of the 354 photographs that we took at the site......

Interesting & Fun Facts about Qutab Minar

Qutab Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world.

The height of Qutub Minar is 72.5 m. or 238 feet tall.
There are 379 stairs inside the tower, which lead to the top.

The foundation of the tower was laid down by Qutubu’d - Din Aibak in 1193 AD.

The purpose behind the construction of Minar was for the use of mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer.

The next three stories were added by Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish, the son - in - law of Qutubu’d - Din Aibak.
The fifth and the last storey were constructed by Firuz Shah Tughlaq.

Some say it was damaged twice by lightning and subsequently repaired in the 1300's.....some say it was from earthquakes.

The Minar contains numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters, which narrate its history.

Qutab Minar is made up of red and buff sandstone, containing intricate carvings and verses from the Holy Quran.

Enjoy.